Young Jackrabbit, Malheur Field Station, Oregon
Copyright © 1996, Don Baccus (dhogaza@pacifier.com)
Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
Jackrabbits are found everywhere in our area. Numbers are highly cyclical, and at the high point of their cycle are so numerous that it is difficult to drive after dark without hitting several an hour.
They are most commonly found lurking under sagebrush and other shrubs, which they use for cover from predators and for shade from the harsh, mid-day sun.
Jackrabbits are heavily persecuted by humans, as they compete for forage with wildlife and, frankly, because many locals think plunking them is sport. Because of this, they are very wary of people, and their habit of lurking in shrubby sage habitat makes it difficult to get a clear shot.
The Malheur Field Station generally has jackrabbits nearby which are somewhat tolerant of people.